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Christopher Cabaldon
Former Mayor | West Sacramento, CA

West Sacramento On-Demand: Mobility for All

Idea Category: Infrastructure

Problem

West Sacramento On-Demand was developed as an early implementation item of the City’s Mobility Action Plan, which aims to enhance transit, create multi-modal hubs, and leverage smart technology investments. In recent years, transit ridership has declined while costs have risen and the bus simply hasn’t competed with the expediency of other modes. Mounting community feedback demanded more convenient transit options. Concurrently, residents in the City’s transit-oriented Riverfront remained reluctant to give up personal cars due to a lack of transit alternatives, resulting in parking demand challenges. West Sacramento was also concerned about impacts of limited mobility on a growing senior population, like social isolation.

Solution

West Sacramento On-Demand brings convenience and a high quality user experience to the previously underserved or transit dependent, while preserving critical social functions of public transit by safeguarding accessibility across ages, incomes and abilities. Via’s state-of-the-art technology balances speed of service with optimized vehicle occupancies, using a smart algorithm to predict demand and pick up multiple passengers along the way. Using “virtual bus stops”, riders walk up to 500 feet to meet their vehicle, but curb-to-curb and wheelchair accessible service remains available for those who need it. By offering rides for just $3.50, or $1.75 for seniors and disabled riders, the service improves access to critical daily amenities.